I suspect that the 4 day declaration was based on whatever process they have going for setting their draft board. I'm sure they have workouts and meetings scheduled and mapped out in advance and the meeting being held 4 days before the draft is the one where they finalize the top end of their draft board.

I don't think there's much need to negotiate in advance anymore, now that rookie salaries aren't crazy. The only potential issue is the possibility of running into a John Elway/Eli Manning situation where a guy just says he won't play for you at any price, but that's not going to be happening this year.

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“The American people are tired of liars and people who pretend to be something they’re not.” - Hillary Clinton